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The 20 Best Face Sunscreens That Skin Experts Are Obsessed With

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sunscreen
Chris Colls

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Ask any dermatologist, esthetician, or skincare enthusiast you know what the golden rule of skincare is and the answer will likely be “always wear sunscreen.” But how do you know which one is right for you? “Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you will use, meaning that as long as you find one that you like and will be able to apply and reapply, that’s what's the most important,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, tells ELLE.com.

But before you head to your nearest store, your sunscreen should also check off a few boxes. “When selecting a sunscreen, it is important to make sure it is SPF 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum coverage, meaning it provides coverage against UVA and UVB rays,” Garshick adds. For those with sensitive skin, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified derm at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, explains that “a mineral-based SPF with zinc or titanium dioxide is favorable, as they sit on the surface of the skin forming a barrier to protect you against UV radiation.”

If you're looking for a sunscreen that blends easily, try chemical sunscreens “formulated with avobenzone and oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays and keep them from penetrating the skin,” Shirazi says. Water-resistant sunscreens are best for those who sweat easily or are planning to spend the day by the water. “Choosing the best vehicle, whether it's a spray, gel, cream, or powder, comes down to skin type. Generally, those with oily skin types prefer lighter formulations in a gel or powder form whereas drier skin types prefer a more emollient cream formula,” she also says.

Regardless of your age, you should wear sunscreen. “Sunscreen is recommended for all ages greater than six months. Before six months, it is best to avoid direct sun exposure to the sun, by seeking shade whenever possible and wearing sun-protective clothing,” Garshick explains. What's more, most people opt out of wearing sunscreen on gloomier days, but whether there's sun, rain, or snow outside, you can still be exposed to sneaky UV rays. A derm-approved way to apply your sunscreen is the two-finger rule, “which refers to applying sunscreen along the length of two fingers—the index and middle finger,” she says. “It is important to remember hard-to-reach areas like the scalp, ears, back of the neck, hands, and feet. Sunscreen is recommended as the last step of your skincare routine prior to makeup application.”

Now that we've covered sunscreen 101, it's time to decide which one is best for you. Ahead, the 20 best sunscreens that skincare obsessives and experts love.

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1

Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

Editor’s Choice
Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30
1

Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

$27 at Amazon
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The best type of moisturizers are the ones that feel lightweight on the skin and give you a healthy glow. Bolden's Brightening SPF moisturizer does just that with the help of vitamin C.

2

EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
2

EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

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“This is the ONLY sunscreen I like to use regularly,” one reviewer wrote. Why? Because the Unrivaled Sun Serum is a godsend for deeper skin tones who are fed up with sunscreens that leave a white cast. No white cast, no greasy finish, no worries!

3

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
3

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Garshick recommends Colorescience's sunscreen because its formula addresses a slew of concerns, from UVA/UVB to blue light to pollution and infrared radiation. “It is available in 4 different shades, making it easy to blend with your skin for natural coverage, and uses iron oxide pigments to adapt to your specific tone, without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it good for all skin types,” she explains.

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4

MELÉ Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30

Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30
4

MELÉ Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30

As the name suggests, Mele's Dew The Most Moisturizer is designed for those who like a little extra glow with their face cream. The cream has SPF 30 to protect against UV and blue light, while vitamin E nourishes even the driest skin.

5

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Unseen Sunscreen
5

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

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A bestseller for good reason, the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen goes on so light and clear, you'll forget you're wearing it. The non-greasy formula also makes it easier to re-up every few hours.

6

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
6

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

“This drugstore favorite is an easy-to-find, lightweight sunscreen that offers tinted mineral protection, while still being easy to rub in as it leaves behind a natural matte finish,” Garshick says. It also serves as a great base for makeup.

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7

DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46

Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46
7

DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46

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This sunscreen from DRMTLGY is as nourishing as it is protective, courtesy of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. “It is oil-free and is great for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin,” according to Garshick.

8

TULA Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
8

TULA Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The gel-based formula of Tula's sunscreen glides on like a dream and melts into the skin without leaving any evidence. Plus, the smell of pineapple and papaya brings you closer to the warm summer days ahead.

9

Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45

Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45
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Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45

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Black Girl Sunscreen dialed down the radiance component of its hero product to create a matte offshoot that packs the same punch—sheer coverage, water resistant, and fragrance-free—all while protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays.

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10

Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF50 Unscented

Classic Face Sunscreen SPF50 Unscented
10

Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF50 Unscented

Now 15% Off
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Besides sun protection, Coola's face sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer due to the addition of its plant protection complex, which consists of red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract.

11

Skinbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact

Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
11

Skinbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact

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For the frequent flyer, this sunscreen fits perfectly in your travel bag so you can re-apply as often as you'd like. It also comes with a cushion so you can apply the product without getting your hands messy. “As a mineral sunscreen, it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and provides protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light,” Garshick says.

12

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Seller
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
12

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

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A favorite of Dr. Shari Sperling of Sperling Dermatology, EltaMD's UV Clear is great for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it contains lactic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and more to keep skin woes at bay.

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13

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

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“This SPF 50 sunscreen works to protect the skin while also hydrating the skin as it contains hyaluronic acid,” Garshick says. “It also incorporates niacinamide, which is soothing and helps to improve skin tone. It is lightweight and absorbs easily without leaving the skin feeling greasy.”

14

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42

Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42
14

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42

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Hyaluronic acid and spirulina work together to hydrate and nourish the skin. And with SPF 42, Shiseido's sunscreen protects the skin and also works well as a primer.

15

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
15

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

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SkinCeuticals' Physical Fusion is a tinted mineral sunscreen that offers light coverage and a great dose of sun protection.

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16

MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40

Solar Stick SPF 40
16

MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40

Dr. Robert J. Friedman, of MD Solar Sciences, recommends the MDSS Solar Stick, as it's convenient and portable. “This non-whitening formula glides on flawlessly and delivers powerful mineral protection that is perfect for on-the-go applications,” Friedman says.

17

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral SPF 50

The Silk Sunscreen Mineral SPF 50
17

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral SPF 50

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Fans of Tatcha's Silk Primer will be happy to add the newest addition to the family, the Silk Sunscreen, to their makeup routine. The inclusion of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid keep your skin silky smooth.

18

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face & Body Melt In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

Anthelios 60 Face & Body Melt In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
18

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face & Body Melt In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

La Roche-Posay's sunscreen lives up to its name. The product is a milky texture that absorbs into the skin, has a lightweight feel, and non-greasy dry-down.

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19

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum

Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum
19

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum

Resting Beach Face applies so smoothly and sinks into the skin effortlessly. Spinach, green tea, and hyaluronic acid moisturizes your skin all day long so your skin is not only protected, but super-hydrated.

20

Az MD Skincare UV Clear Powder SPF

UV Clear Powder SPF
20

Az MD Skincare UV Clear Powder SPF

Credit: Courtesy

“If you have a hard time reapplying a cream in the middle of the day, I recommend using an SPF powder brush like Sunkissed SPF50,” Shirazi says. “It's also great at absorbing oil, adding coverage, and reducing shine.”

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